Preparation and Evaluation of the Blusher containing Punica granatum powder

The pomegranate’s efficacies, which already known, are a strong antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. To utilize effective agents, punica granatum fruit/root/stem powder can replace artificial pigment in the color cosmetics. In this study, we prepared a blusher containing punica granatum powder (PGP) and evaluated safety, coloration, and usability. To assess the safety of samples, the patch test was performed to evaluate the occurrence of erythema on the patch area according to the criteria of ICDRG. The panels comprised 30 women(Fitzpatrick type Ⅲ) aged 20~29 years who were blusher users. For the color fixation effects, we measured color values using a spectrophotometer. The satisfaction of actual usage(colorant, persistence, spreadability) was determined by a 5-point Likert scale. As a result, there are no positive reactions from PGP blusher. The value of PGP blusher surface color was similar to control (commercial blusher containing artificial pigment). On the other hand, there were significant differences in color change after application to skin surface between PGP and control blushers (a* and b*, p<0.001). On the sensory evaluation, the satisfaction score of coloration showed that the control blusher was higher than PGP. Besides, there was no statistically significant difference in persistence and spreadability satisfaction. Base on these findings, we could suggest a possibility for the development of the blusher with PGP as a natural cosmetic ingredient.